Philly Brew Review: Philly Standard by Yards Brewing Co.

I like a strong Indian Pale Ale as much as the next guy, but sometimes you need to opt for a lighter, yet refreshing, alternative. I’m not going to slam back IPAs all day at a family gathering. Nor am I going to settle for a can of Busch or Bud Light. I have more class than that. But I have a problem and Yards Brewing Company has the solution. Introducing the Philly Standard.

“Sometimes you just want a beer. No bells. No whistles. Just a good, handcrafted, no-nonsense beer that works just as hard as you do. Light. Clean. Easy. The standard beer for every occasion.” Yards Brewing Company

If this quote doesn’t scream Philly to you, then maybe you’re in the wrong city. Let’s take a closer look at this American lager.

Philly Standard is a simple beer. It’s comprised of 4 ingredients: malt, hops, yeast, and water. I consider it a volume beer. A beer that a bunch of rowdy Eagles fans can drink while tailgating without getting into a fight (hopefully). It’s a beer for people who need something in their hand without worry about a hangover the next morning.

Taste-wise, Philly Standard isn’t anything special. It has subtle notes of grain and honey, more flavor than a can of Miller Lite with a bit more alcohol by volume. It’s crisp, light and refreshing. Perfect for day-drinking.

What Yards does get right is branding. Each can of Philly Standard is wrapped in a sleek black label. The words Philly Standard are emphasized in bold white letters traced in a vibrant red outline. Below that is the catchy, yet simple, tagline Work Hard Drink Easy. However, my favorite part of the design is the pigeon holding a 215 sign. I love that!

Philly Standard is competitively priced and comes in three varieties:

• 6-pack (12oz bottles) – $10.99
• 15-pack (12oz cans) – $18.99
• 24-pack (12oz bottles) – $34.99

At the end of the day, I prefer a beer with more taste. Philly Standard, while easy-to-drink and affordable, is just too bland for me. Sure I’d drink it if someone offered me a can, but I probably won’t go out of my way to pick up another case. I’m becoming quite the beer snob in my old age. I give Philly Standard 2.5 out of 4 stars.